It's Episode 64 of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show. Today, I’m thrilled to be joined once again by the one and only Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel analyst and special AWA Historian George Schire. We’re stepping back into the Time Tunnel to review the American Wrestling Association in 1976 — a pivotal year in one of wrestling’s most iconic territories.

In this episode, George and I break down the major storylines, title scenes, and larger-than-life personalities that defined AWA that year. Nick Bockwinkel was firmly entrenched as the AWA World Heavyweight Champion after dethroning Verne Gagne late in 1975. He carried the promotion with technical mastery and arrogant heel brilliance, defending against top challengers while drawing huge crowds. We talk about his key programs, including those tense encounters with Verne Gagne himself — most notably their big draw in Chicago that kept the title scene sizzling.

The tag team division was on fire too. We cover Bobby Duncum and Blackjack Lanza capturing the AWA World Tag Team Titles from the legendary duo of The Crusher and Dick the Bruiser in July. That heel team, backed by Bobby Heenan, brought serious heat and power. Meanwhile, the Bruiser and Crusher remained massive fan favorites and kept the rivalries boiling all year long.

We also dive into other standout names and moments: the rising roles of guys like Greg Gagne and Jim Brunzell, appearances and impacts from stars like Billy Robinson, Ray Stevens’ memorable face turn, and even special attractions like Muhammad Ali’s involvement in AWA rings earlier that year to build his Inoki bout. George brings his unmatched knowledge and personal insights from following the territory for decades, painting a full picture of how Verne Gagne’s AWA balanced athleticism, rugged brawling, and strong regional storytelling in the heart of the Midwest.

If you love classic territory wrestling — with its blood feuds, scientific matches, wild crowds in places like Chicago, Milwaukee, and the Twin Cities — this one’s for you. George Schire delivers the history like no one else can.Tune in now to Episode 64 and join us as we travel through the Time Tunnel back to AWA 1976. Let’s relive the glory days together!

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• (00:00:02) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel: The AWA
• (00:08:00) - Grizzly Up Soap Company
• (00:09:23) - George Shire On The American Wrestling Association
• (00:10:42) - Nick Bockwinkle on His Golden Age of Wrestling
• (00:14:28) - The AWA World Championship Change Hands
• (00:22:38) - Larry Hennig on His Impact
• (00:31:06) - Tony Jones on The NWA's Last Great Champion
• (00:34:13) - Bob Backlund vs Steve Khosrow
• (00:42:58) - Andre vs Andre in the AWA
• (00:49:25) - The Valiants Should Have Won the AWA Championship
• (00:56:13) - Using Wilbur Snyder in the AWA
• (01:03:36) - Andre vs Nick Booker in Chicago
• (01:10:39) - Bobby Duncomb in Verne's Match
• (01:11:45) - Blackjack Lanza
• (01:17:08) - AWA Wrestling's Strong Year in 1976
• (01:19:32) - San Francisco's financial success in the 1980s
• (01:25:50) - Adam Superstar on His AWA Tag Team
• (01:29:26) - The Wrestling Hall of Fame
• (01:34:10) - Greg Klein at the WWE Hall of Fame
• (01:34:52) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel: The AWA